Know what email software program you are using &hellip; Microsoft Outlook Express, Mail App, Thunderbird, etc.

Know what brand and model of modem you use. (The problem you are having may be due to outdated software controlling your modem.)

Write down any error messages that may be appearing when you are online.

Review the glossary. Knowledge of computer and Internet terminology will be helpful to you as the Help Desk answers your questions.

If possible, be at your computer with it on and running when you call your ISP's Help Desk

HAVE A DIAL-UP MODEM AND PROBLEMS CONNECTING TO THE INTERNET? TRY THESE POSSIBILITIES ...

Check to see if your phone line is plugged into your modem. If you have an external modem, check to make sure it's turned on.

Do you have call waiting on your phone line? This feature may be disconnecting you from your Internet access.

If you have a second phone line designated for computer use and are having problems getting online, ensure this designated line is working properly by connecting an ordinary corded phone to it. Then try to make a call on your regular phone line and vice versa.

Do you have a "hands free" telephone? How about an answering machine, fax machine, or Caller ID unit in the house? Any of these could be causing your connection problems.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Ask Dr. Webbie

Answers to Your Internet Questions

Is there an Internet question you'd like to see answered in a future edition of Website Compass? Email your question to DrWebbie@WebsiteCompass.com.

To assist him in answering your question as specifically as possible, be sure to include the following: the name of the browser you are using (i.e. Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0, Firefox 2.0, etc.), the name of the email software you are using (i.e. Microsoft Outlook Express 6.0, OS 10.4 Mail, etc.), and the version of your system software (i.e. Windows 98, Windows XP, etc.)

QUESTION: How is the new web browser Vivaldi different from established browsers?

ANSWER: Vivaldi is targeted at power users and has many unique built-in options and features designed to save time. They include:

History — With Vivaldi, you get an in-depth overview of your browsing habits, backed by statistics and colorful visual data. You can quickly scan through visited websites and get helpful hints for finding old links.

Notes — When you find that perfect statistic or quote for a project you're doing, you can copy that text to the notes panel, adding a link and screen shot at the same time. This feature is extremely useful when doing research.

Customization — Vivaldi lets you customize the browser the way you want. You can reposition all the toolbars wherever you like by tweaking its Settings. You can even drag an open tab to a side toolbar to create a split view with another open tab. You can also select and schedule various built-in themes that will alter the look of the browser according to your tastes.

Tab Stacking and Tab Tiling — If you tend to keep many tabs open in your browser, you'll appreciate these features. Tab Stacking lets you group multiple tabs into one, and Tab Tiling lets you display multiple tabs side by side or in a grid layout.

Adaptive Interface — Vivaldi's color scheme will adapt as you browse the web, much like a chameleon adapts to its surroundings. For example, Facebook turns Vivaldi blue.

If these options and features sound good to you — and you're ready for a change from Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or the like — you may want to take Vivaldi for a test drive. It's available for a free download at vivaldi.com.

QUESTION: What is a Wi-Fi extender and when should one be used?

ANSWER: A Wi-Fi extender (also called a Wi-Fi booster or repeater) is a piece of equipment used to extend the coverage area of a home's Wi-Fi network. It works by receiving your existing Wi-Fi signal, amplifying it, and then transmitting the boosted signal. With a Wi-Fi extender, you may be able to effectively double the coverage area of your Wi-Fi network by reaching the far corners of your home, different floors, or even your yard.

If you're having trouble getting a solid, reliable Wi-Fi signal in some parts of your home, a Wi-Fi extender could be the solution for you. But before you take that step, you may want to try simply moving your Wi-Fi router to the most central location possible. If that doesn't help, your router may need to be upgraded to a newer, more powerful model.

Your Internet Service Provider can provide additional information on home Wi-Fi networks and may offer a managed Wi-Fi service. Ask for details.